Policy Director
Position Summary
The Director of Policy will lead and define policy efforts and overall governmental affairs functions to advance Audubon’s mission and bird conservation objectives in Alaska. Reporting to the Vice President and Executive Director of Audubon Alaska, they will serve as a part of Alaska’s senior leadership team and work closely with all staff to design strategic conservation campaigns.
The Director of Policy will lead the development and execution of a state policy agenda to advance both state and federal priorities, focusing on public lands, climate conservation priorities, and protection for Important Bird Areas (IBAs) and at-risk species. The Director is responsible for coordinating and implementing policy efforts with staff across National Audubon and Alaska programs. This includes engaging chapters, grassroots networks, partners, proactively communicating issues and positions, and helping attract contributions to execute successful policy campaigns and conservation outcomes.
The Director of Policy will also be tasked with extending our digital reach to more effectively and efficiently organize our membership in Alaska and across the U.S. to take action on issues that impact birds and communities in the state.
The ideal candidate is a skilled, experienced manager and strategic thinker with a working background knowledge of Alaska wildlife conservation, environmental, energy and/or climate policy.
Remote from Juneau Only - Applicants from other locations will also be considered.
Please note: Applicants that have submitted a cover letter are strongly considered.
Essential Functions
- Lead the development and effective implementation of annual and longer-term state and federal policy advocacy and campaign goals as directed by the Alaska Executive Director and the VP of Conservation Policy, including the effective engagement of internal and external stakeholders.
- Provide periodic updates and recommendations to state and national board and staff to facilitate more productive integration at all levels of the organization. This may include identifying important issues that need to be addressed across the range of priority conservation programs and highlighting successful case studies.
- Develop productive relationships with key state-elected and agency officials/leaders, as well as the regional Congressional delegation and federal agencies critical to Audubon goals.
- Coordinate the efforts of state staff working on federal, state, regional and local policy initiatives.
- Raise the profile and visibility of Audubon Alaska as a leader in conservation policy efforts; build creative and enduring alliances and partnerships to support Audubon’s policy efforts and serve as an effective, enthusiastic, and visible spokesperson for Audubon Alaska.
- Advance policy priorities through issue campaigns that engage and expand Audubon’s network of individual volunteer advocates, chapters and allies in Alaska with support from Audubon state and national staff.
- Work with communications and policy staff to plan and implement a communications and digital organizing program in support of Audubon Alaska’s conservation priorities and issue campaigns to include writing public policy position documents, fact sheets, articles, newsletters, and press releases and social media posts.
- Engage board members to assist in achieving Audubon Alaska’s policy goals.
- Promote an organizational culture and structure that fosters cooperation, communication, collaboration, teamwork, equity and trust.
- Collaborate with Audubon’s development team to identify, cultivate, and make requests to donors and foundations. Be an active partner in helping to brainstorm engagement strategies for current and new members interested in the state’s advocacy work.
Qualifications and Experience
- Cover Letter Required
- Bachelor's degree in political science, economics, or related field and 10+ years’ professional experience in policy, grassroots advocacy, wildlife conservation, public service or related field, including at least 3 years managing staff and teams, required. Experience in conservation, renewable energy, and/or climate related issues is preferred. Equivalent combination of education and experience will also be considered.
- Successful track record working in federal, state, and local governmental processes especially with Governors’ offices, state and federal agencies, and legislative committees.
- Keen understanding of current policy trends in Alaska related to wildlife management, climate change, land and water conservation, Indigenous law and experience applying this knowledge to policy advocacy and implementation strongly preferred.
- Exceptional leadership skills with the proven ability to oversee and mentor professional staff while working effectively in a team-based environment.
- Excellent written and verbal communications skills and the ability build consensus amongst a wide range of individuals. Comfort with presenting and engaging others in public-speaking events is also necessary.
- Demonstrated experience overseeing complex or multiple projects through to success, including meeting financial goals, project deadlines, and coordinating the work of key staff and partners.
- Desire and ability to advocate for complex, aggressive conservation positions in both small and large settings.
- Thorough understanding of how advocacy, communications, and grassroots engagement components effectively work together.
- Outstanding interpersonal skills, judgment, and a demonstrated ability to collaborate and build coalitions.
- Technically savvy, to include proficiency with Microsoft Office suite applications and comfort using web-based engagement systems. Experience with EveryAction or similar voter/volunteer database desired. Salesforce experience a plus.
- Familiarity with planning, regulatory, and political processes with respect to environmental issues in Alaska, particularly with respect to Arctic oil development and Tongass National Forest.
- Willingness to travel, including regular visits to Washington DC, and comfort working evenings and weekends as job responsibilities demand.
- Demonstrated interest in conservation and commitment to the mission of the National Audubon Society.